Royal Jelly is a honeybee secretion exclusive for the consumption of the Queen Bee and her larvae. This amber, the golden syrup has been likened to Ambrosia and was highly regarded in ancient society for its medicinal properties. Traditional and folkloric medicine in treating women’s reproductive health concerns.
Royal Jelly Trivia
- During ancient times, the Greeks thought that Royal Jelly was one of the ingredients of Ambrosia, the food and drink of the Greek gods which bestow longevity and immortality. The Greek philosopher Aristotle accredits the partaking of Royal Jelly to an increase in physical strength and the advancement of intellectual capacity.
- In ancient Egypt, it was believed that Royal Jelly was Cleopatra’s vital beauty secret and that it invigorated the Pharaohs. Meanwhile, oriental societies believed that Royal Jelly promoted longevity and sexual potency even in older ages.
Royal Jelly Buying Guide
Distinguishing high content Royal Jelly can be identified through the color and smell. Fresh Royal Jelly can be light or light yellow, is not entirely free-flowing, and has no bubbles. If it’s too thick or too thin then it could be fake. Premium Royal Jelly has a uniquely, floral fragrance whereas fake Royal Jelly has a fermented and sweet taste as a result of mixing sugar and honey.
Although people have been used to seeing pure honey, the impurities in Royal Jelly are an important indicator of its freshness.
Royal Jelly Production & Farming in Texas
China is the world’s largest producer of Royal Jelly. The best quality is found in the Tibet Plateau of Qinghai Province. It’s said that their Royal Jelly has the highest acid content in the world.
As of the moment, most of the Royal Jelly production is far from Texas despite having some bee farms.
Preservatives and Chemicals
Royal Jelly is a yellow or white fluid with a pungent odor and sour flavor. It is more viscous when stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Debris and other impurities such as larval skin and wax fragments are essential to the chemical and nutrient composition of Royal Jelly.
The main components of Royal Jelly include water, sugars, lipids, proteins, and mineral salts. Proteins and sugars make up the bulk of the Royal Jelly’s compounds, along with specific nitrogenous substances, glycoproteins, amino acids, and insulin-like substances.
Packaging
Royal Jelly must be packed in tightly-sealed, dark glasses to protect it from light, heat, and air. Exposure to room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes will result in the oxidation of the Royal Jelly, changing its appearance from a white substance to a yellow liquid.
Enjoying Royal Jelly
Eating Royal Jelly does wonders for your health and body as Royal Jelly is nature’s purest antioxidants, reducing inflammatory diseases and oxidative stress.
Like honey, caution must be exercised when consuming Royal Jelly as it can lead to allergic reactions such as asthma and anaphylaxis. It can also cause inflammation and skin rashes when applied to the scalp.
To avoid harmful chemical reactions, it should only be taken with wooden and glass spoons. Although there is no harm in using plastic spoons, we discourage it to keep green practices.
Storage
Properly storing Royal Jelly is essential to keep its shelf-life and freshness. You can either refrigerate or freeze Royal Jelly. You can also mix some Honey if you plan to store it at room temperature. However, don’t leave it out too long otherwise it will oxidize.
Cooking
Consuming bee products can help fight allergies. Get some bee products at your local farmer’s market or bee growers.
However, some people are seriously allergic to bee products. Do consult your doctor to know if your body can handle these potential allergens.
Honey, Royal Jelly, and Bee Pollen Granola
Ingredients
- 2 cups oats
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1 cup raw almonds, sliced
- 1/4 cup flaxseed
- 3 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon Royal Jelly
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup bee pollen
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350.
- In a large bowl combine your oats, sliced almonds, coconut flakes, flaxseed, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Toss until well combined.
- In a small bowl or pot, heat your coconut oil until melted (you can do this in the microwave or a pot on the stove.) Once hot, remove from heat and whisk in your honey and vanilla extract.
- Pour your liquid bowl over your bowl of dried goods. Toss until everything is well coated.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and spread your granola into an even layer.
- Bake for 15 minutes, toss, then bake for the remaining 10 minutes.
- After a total of 25 minutes, remove your granola from the oven, sprinkle it with bee pollen, and toss one more time.
- Then take a new sheet of parchment paper and lay it over your granola, pressing it gently into the baking sheet. Let it cool completely.
- Once cooled, break the granola into pieces. Serve with milk, yogurt, or just eat by the handful!